The game began with a strong offensive effort by the Rams. A combination of aggressive positioning and elusive passing, led the Rams to occupy UOIT’s portion of the field for stretches of the first half. This offensive-minded attitude however, gave way to a penetrable defensive effort, allowing the Ridgeback’s Nicole Zajac (Mississauga, Ont.) to open the scoring in the ninth minute.

Trailing on the scoreboard, the Rams effort seemed to intensify but the possibility of an upset of the first place Ridgebacks became unlikely when Taijah Henderson (Ajax, Ont.) solidified the UOIT lead with a goal in the 19th minute. Trailing 2-0 on the scoreboard at halftime, the Rams needed to rethink their efforts.

Coming into the second half, the Rams seemed to have done exactly that. A new emphasis on a defense prohibited the Ridgebacks from any further scoring for the remainder of the game.

“They aren’t out of our league and that’s what’s important to us,” said Associate Coach Tina Cook when addressing the performance of the young Rams following the game.

Ryerson will return to action Sunday when they host the Trent Excalibur, 5:30pm at Downsview Park.